The city of Bila Tserkva was founded in 1032 by Yaroslav the Wise, Grand Prince of Kyiv. Originally known as Yuriiv, the city later became known as Bila Tserkva (lit. "White Church") after a nonextant white cathedral. The historical Yiddish name for the town was Shvarts Timmeh (YIVO pronunciation: Shvarts Tummeh), which literally translates to "Black Impurity." This is a play on the Slavic meaning.
The Jewish history of Bila Tserkva can be traced back to the end of the 16th or the beginning of the 17th century, during which time the area was a part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Cossack-led rebellions throughout the subsequent centuries destroyed the small community on several occasions. The Jewish population of Bila Tserkva grew significantly during the 19th century, in large part due to the grain and sugar industries. The Trade Square and adjacent areas of central Bila Tserkva became a hub for Jewish cultural life. By the turn of the 20th century, the Jewish community of Bila Tserkva comprised more than half of the city's total population.
Jews were heavily involved in trade and manufacturing. At its peak, there were over 18 synagogues, Jewish schools, newspapers, and Zionist organizations. Economic decline around the time of the Russian Revolution prompted the emmigration of many Jews seeking better opportunities.
The Holocaust in Bila Tserkva was grim, resulting in the extermination of nearly its entire Jewish populations. Before the German invasion of the city, Jewish officials arranged for the evacuation of hundreds of Jewish children. In the August, 1941, Jewish adults and children were shot and buried in a mass grave outside of Bila Tserkva. May their memories be a blessing.